FAMILY DAYS OUT
Rochester is the perfect place for families.
Rochester is a brilliant place for kids of all ages – there is so much to do, and of course – we’re unashamedly promoting our fabulous independent shops, cafes and restaurants for a unique experience.
So – here are some ideas to get you started.
Start off with breakfast or coffee, juice and a snack at Quills – 30 High Street ///loaf.vote.needed
Then wander up to the Guildhall Museum 17 High Street ///fund.nurses.gets where there are many hands-on activities and lots of great children and adult-friendly exhibits. (Closed on Mondays)
Next stop is ‘I dig Dinos’ 64 High Street ///transit.fear.robot This is a fascinating shop for all ages and has fossils, rocks, polished stones and dinosaurs at all prices, so a child’s pocket money can be safely spent.
It could well be lunchtime now. Sandwiches and great coffee can be bought at the Deaf Cat ///define.liner.sentences if it’s a picnic you’re after, or trace back your steps past Quills and go to Mamma Mia, close to the Bridge for a fabulous Italian meal and of course – every child is very welcome and will be accommodated in true Italian style.
If Spanish food is your family’s thing, then eat yummy tapas and drink sangria at Rico Sabor ///ritual.pulled.seated
From Mamma Mia, turn left for an easy walk past the old Rochester Bridge Trust building ///boss.engage.grain and climb the steps under the ancient gate arch up to the castle grounds where you will find the most amazing views of the river; an old cannon to climb on and our castle!! If you are members of English Heritage, then entrance is free but whatever – this is the best example of a Norman Keep anywhere in Europe and the views are spectacular. It also has a great gift shop full of swords, helmets and anything to do with battles and knights in shining armour!
If you had lunch at Rico Sabor, then just cross the road opposite and walk through the little carpark, up the hill to the castle this way.
After visiting the castle, you can buy icecream and tea at the little kiosk in the grounds, or head back down the hill and go for tea and cake in the Cathedral crypt – making sure you don’t miss the most ancient law book written by the monks of Rochester called the Textus Roffensis (it pre-dates the Magna Carta).
If you leave via the North door of the Cathedral – turn right and walk through the gates to our war memorial and garden. You’re back onto the High Street and will see Sweet Expectations opposite ///mini.figure.menu or The Candy Bar to the left ///united.fleet.globe both are great places for more spending of pocket money.
Then it’s a leisurely walk along the High Street, taking in all the different shops; Store 104 – 104 High Street ///crust.taker.spring has its first floor dedicated to children’s books – lots of them. Francis Iles opposite 103 High Street ///awards.march.cared has a whole area of craft and art supplies, soft toys, puzzles, jewellery and a wonderful, ever-changing exhibition of original paintings and sculptures.
Carry along the High Street to Eastgate House – another great historical building to visit ///lasted.chip.shrimp. if you go into the pretty gardens, you will see the chalet that Charles Dickens wrote some of his novels in.
Come back out onto the High Street and turn left. This area of the High Street has some absolute gems of shops for children to part with their money, or just look at! – Little Dorrit, Lavender Moon and of course no self-respecting family could pass by the chance to visit Get Ready Comics at 168 High Street ///online.worry.acted, for all things to do with Disney, Star Wars, Deadpool, Loungefly, Moon Knight, Batman and much much more.
You’ll be hungry again so – catch a brilliant burger at SMOQE ///theme.horn.agreed or Chuck n’ Blade ///ducks.pull.worked or head into Lorenzo’s for tea, baguettes, cakes and more ///scan.opera.tones
Rochester’s Finest Picnic Spots:
The British are renowned for their picnics and Rochester has several beautiful places to put down a rug – open the hamper and let the children run around in a safe space.
The Esplanade Gardens is a large expanse of grass close to the river with winding paths (great for little people to learn to ride a bike or roller-skate) attractive flower beds, and trees to sit under should you need the shade. There is also a children’s play area ///sushi.dragon.drum and is a 5 minute walk from the High Street.
The Castle gardens ///names.music.nodded is possibly the most spectacularly scenic place to picnic and loved by the residents of Rochester. Again, there are winding paths for children to run along and an old bandstand to play on.
Public toilets are here and also a kiosk where you can buy drinks and icecreams.
The Castle Moat which is between the Castle and Cathedral has grassy areas, slopes to run up and roll down and spectacular views.
Eastgate Gardens ///needed.case.focal is often overlooked by picnickers as one has to go through a hidden arch to get to the grassy area. It’s a secluded spot with benches and shady trees.
The Vines ///poems.salad.visa is the site of the old vineyards set up by the monks of the Priory of St Andrews in 600AD.
There is an avenue of huge Plane trees, large grassy areas, benches to sit on, wooden stepping stones and carved woodland animals for children to play on.